Aretha Franklin calls off engagement to long-term friend William Wilkerson

Aretha Franklin has called off her engagement to long-term friend William "Willie" Wilkerson.

The soul legend, who has been married twice before, announced plans to tie the knot over the summer, but has now said that she realised that things were "moving a little too fast" and that she and Wilkerson are no longer planning to wed.

Franklin has not said if the ending of her engagement means she is no longer romantically involved with Wilkerson.

She said in a statement: "Regretfully, Will and I have decided we were moving a little too fast. There were a number of things that had not been thought through thoroughly. There will be no wedding at this time. We will not comment on it any further because of the very personal and sensitive nature of it. We appreciate all of the many well wishes from friends."

Franklin released her latest album 'A Woman Falling Out Of Love' last year, her first studio LP since 2003's 'So Damn Happy'.

She returned to performing earlier this year after recovering from a serious illness that saw her lose over six stone in weight.